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Step 1
Learning to properly hold a horses foot:
From natural instinct most horses are more comfortable being approached and examined on the left side. Knowing this little fact it just makes since to start with the horses front left foot when you are learning to hold a horse’s foot. -
Step 2
Walk in close to your horse making sure not to scare or spook the horse.
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Step 3
Place your right hand on the horses shoulder and rub down the back of its leg, while you are doing this you should place your left hand onto the horses shoulder to steady yourself and calm the horse. Placing your left hand on the horses shoulder also gives you added safety since you can push off from the horse if needed.
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Step 4
Once you have your right hand down to the horse’s tendon, the area of the leg just past the knee, you should be able to gently pull on the horse’s leg to get it to lift it for you. If it does not you can gently squeeze the leg with your right hand and this should cause the horse to lift its leg.
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Step 5
Once the horse has began lifting its leg you should move your hands to the front of the foot just above the ankle to help steady the foot and guide it where you would like it to go. Most people find it comfortable to position the leg between you knees while you are facing toward the back of your horse. It may also be more comfortable to sit on a stool while doing this.
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Step 6
You should follow the same process for the hind legs until you get your hand on the lower section of the leg, there you will press the leg forward until the horse lifts its leg.
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Step 7
Once the horse raises its back foot you should step under its leg and place the foot across your legs but above your knees. Place your left arm under the horse’s leg to stabilize it on your lap. This will leave both of your hands free to care for the horses hooves.
